Transporting a car can be a unique task. In most cases many will only do this once or twice in their lifetime. The concept of interstate car transport encompasses a variety of scenarios, ranging from short-distance hauls to crossing various states, each route with unique characteristics. Because of factors that affect the car shipping industry, each route along pricing and timeline can be totally different.

For example, moving a car from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale will be a totally different scenario than transporting a car from Ogunquit, Maine, to Boise Idaho, even though they are both about 2,700 apart. In this case the factor with the second route is that it is not a "metro to metro" route. This means the truck is not going to and from very populated cities or towns. This also means less trucks go there often and the time it will take can increase, along with the price as less carriers travel that type of route. Therefore, this represents a factor as to why an interstate car transport service will vary, which is location.

What is Interstate Car Transport?

Although Interstate car transport and the service of cross country auto transport can mean the same ,in most cases cross country auto transport represents going from one side of the country to the other. But, since Interstate shipping can cross all the states from one coast to another, using the term in referring to a cross country move is not in any way incorrect.

So, Is Interstate Car Transport the Same As Shipping a Car to Another State?

Yes, it is. Interstate car transport services and shipping a car to another state are the same, as both entail moving a vehicle from one state to another using a shipping method, as we'll dive into shortly.

How Common is Interstate Car Transport?

Interstate car shipping is not only extremely common but also highly in demand. Finding and booking interstate shipments is generally straightforward, though certain U.S. regions, especially those with smaller populations or cities, might pose challenges due to less profitability and longer distances between pickups, which can affect pricing and wait times. States like the Arkansas, Iowa, and New Hampshire can experience these issues more commonly.

Also, it's good to note that although international shipping is considerable, it falls short to the amount of interstate moves carriers make for domestic auto shipments.

Choosing the Right Interstate Car Transport Method

The choice of transportation method largely depends on your preferences and needs.

When selecting a carrier for shipping your car, you typically have two options: open auto transport, which is the standard and most common method, and enclosed auto transport, which offers more protection at a higher cost and is less readily available. These carriers operate throughout the contiguous United States, and some situations may necessitate the use of flatbed trucks, particularly for vehicles that cannot be accommodated by standard carriers. The service can be used as a door to door type of transport or terminal shipping.

Aside from the car carrier shipping methods offered by for interstate transport, trains are also used in some cases with carrier transport being the much more predominant choice due to its availability and flexibility. Transport by airplane is also an option, though it is extremely expensive and thus less commonly used. Transport by ship does not apply to Interstate moves.

What to Expect When Shipping a Car Through State Lines

Shipping your car interstate is generally more straightforward than sending a vehicle overseas. However, patience is a must, especially for longer routes. Most carriers can cover up to 300-500 miles per day, depending on what they have to do along the way. In general, expect 1.5 weeks on average for Interstate car shipping that is coast to coast and shorter wait times for interstate routes that are between less states.

Is Interstate Car Transport the Same As Shipping a Car to Another State?

Yes, it is. Interstate car transport services and shipping a car to another state are the same, as both entail moving a vehicle from one state to another using a shipping method, as detailed above.